Puerto Rico governmental line of succession
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| Process overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | ad hoc after the Governor is unable to perform his functions |
| Jurisdiction | executive branch |
| Headquarters | Office of the Governor |
| Key documents |
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The Puerto Rico governmental line of succession defines who may become or act as Governor of Puerto Rico upon the incapacity, death, resignation, or removal from office (by impeachment and subsequent conviction) of a sitting governor or a governor-elect.
Article IV of the Constitution of Puerto Rico establishes that when a vacancy occurs in the post of Governor said post shall devolve upon the Secretary of State, who shall hold it for the rest of the term and until a new governor has been elected and qualifies. In the event that vacancies exist at the same time in both the post of Governor and that of Secretary of State, the law establishes a line of succession upon the Secretaries. This line of succession is established by Law No. 7 of 2005.
In the event that the Governor-elect does not qualify, or a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of Governor before the Governor-elect shall have appointed a Secretary of State, or before said Secretary, having been appointed, shall have qualified, the Legislative Assembly just elected elects a Governor who shall hold office until his successor is elected in the next general election and qualifies.